As Simple as 1 2 3! (Casio MX-8V)

Member Name: Meggysmum

Product:	Casio MX-8V
Date:	29/06/09 (59 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good size keys and clear display.

Disadvantages: None

When I was at school we had to have scientific calculators- you know the sort, loads of buttons and functions that you could never remember how to use. My children now both have these types floating around inside their schoolbags somewhere but whenever I needed to use a calculator I could never find one! Eventually I tired of trying to use the calculator on my PC or phone and decided to buy myself a proper calculator.

The choice of calculators everywhere seemed overwhelming but when I thought about it I really didn't need anything too complicated. I just needed a basic machine for working out my finances etc. I had a look in the Argos catalogue and decided to opt for the Casio MX8V. I had owned Casio calculators in the past and been happy with them and it looked nice and simple! It cost about £5 when I bought it in 2007 and I have noticed that there is a very similar model available from Argos now (JUN09) for £4.39. I didn't expect anything particularly impressive for the price but I have been pleasantly suprised.

The body of the calculator is very pale grey with grey buttons and a big red "on" button. It has two non-slip feet on the bottom which stops it moving whilst using it. It has a large clear display (8x2.4cm approx) with the figures shown in black against a pale green/grey screen. The screen slopes upwards towards you which makes it even easier to see when it is flat on a desk.

The calculator works on both solar power and a 1.5v battery (LR54), the battery is included. I have not had to change the battery yet. I think it works on solar power most of the time I am using it. I very rarely remember to turn it off and luckily it has an automatic power-off function.

The keys are quite large and very easy to use, because of the size it is not easy to hit the wrong key by accident which I have managed many times with smaller keys on the scientific type calculators or the little tiny ones designed to be carried around. The keys also seem to stay amazingly clean, they are very smooth to the touch and just do not seem to attract the dirt from your fingers like computer keys do!

The calculator performs the major basic functions: addition (extra big key), subtraction, multiplication and division. It also has a percentage key, a square root key and positive and negative number key. It also incorporates a 4-key memory function which I don't think I have ever used.

This seems to be a very robust calculator. It has been knocked on the floor or buried under piles of paper and still reappears working perfectly. Due to its size (10x15cm) it tends not to get lost and sits on my desk whenever it is needed. It feels solid but is not particularly heavy. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a general household calculator, it is simple and reliable.

Summary: Brilliantly reliable and simple to use.